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Girard excited by Lille opportunity

Rene Girard has described Lille as a "top-five club" after being named successor to departing manager Rudi Garcia.

The 59-year-old, who guided Montpellier to the 2012 Ligue 1 title, has signed a four-year contract with Lille after Garcia was appointed at Roma.

And he is looking forward to beginning preparations ahead of the 2013-14 season.

"Lille are a top-five club. After Montpellier, I couldn't have hoped for a better opportunity," Girard said.

"I know that we'll have a great team next season. Some deals need to be done in the best interests of the club, but we can still work hard.

"The squad will be a competitive one. The situation is similar to what I experienced with Montpellier, when I had to bring in a lot of young players. But the big difference is that Lille has a big head-start on Montpellier."

Lille president Michel Seydoux is confident he has appointed the right man to take the club forward.

"I knew of him as a coach, a developer of young talent, a technician and a man with a winning record," he commented.

"I've had the pleasure of meeting a man of great quality; passionate and with a strong work ethic. With Lille's best interests in mind, I'm proud and happy to see Rene join our club."